Senior Category Specialist - MRO

We are currently seeking candidates for the role of Senior Category Specialist - MRO to join our JDI Supply Chain team. This role is responsible for developing and executing category strategies for Maintenance, Repair and Operations (MRO) materials and services across the organization. The Senior Category Specialist will lead strategic sourcing initiatives, supplier relationship management, contract negotiations, spend analysis, and continuous improvement activities that deliver sustainable value, reduce risk, and support operational excellence.

In this capacity, the Senior Category Specialist partners closely with internal stakeholders and suppliers to identify sourcing opportunities, develop category plans, lead competitive sourcing processes, negotiate commercial agreements, and optimize supplier performance. The role leverages spend analytics and market intelligence to drive informed decision-making, consolidate spend, standardize products and services where appropriate, and maximize the value of procurement investments while ensuring compliance with company policies and supply management standards.

The successful candidate will be a self-motivated procurement professional with strong analytical, negotiation, and relationship management skills. They will thrive in a fast-paced environment, balancing strategic initiatives with operational priorities while influencing stakeholders and driving meaningful business outcomes.This position is full-time in person at our head office in Saint John, NB.

Responsibilities

• Support the development and implementation of category strategies for assigned MRO materials and service categories.
• Lead competitive sourcing initiatives including RFx development, supplier engagement, proposal evaluation, commercial analysis, and recommendation development.
• Lead contract negotiations, execution, amendments, renewals, and ongoing contract administration activities.
• Build and maintain strategic relationships with internal stakeholders and external suppliers to support operational requirements and strategic business objectives.
• Identify and implement opportunities to consolidate spend, standardize products and services, and improve supplier performance across business units.
• Conduct spend analysis and market research to identify sourcing opportunities, supply market trends, and total cost of ownership reduction initiatives.
• Manage supplier performance management activities, including KPI development, performance reviews, issue resolution, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Champion supplier innovation and value creation efforts that improve operational efficiency, reliability, and business performance.
• Ensure the integrity and accuracy of procurement documentation, contracts, supplier records, and master data in accordance with procurement policies and governance requirements.
• Manage complex sourcing projects and competing priorities while responding to operational needs, business initiatives, and time-sensitive procurement requirements.
• Monitor industry trends, supplier markets, and emerging risks to proactively identify opportunities and recommend sourcing strategies that support organizational objectives.

Qualifications

• Post-secondary education in Supply Chain Management, Business, Commerce, Engineering, or a related field.
• 5+ years of experience in strategic sourcing, procurement, category management, or supplier relationship management.
• Demonstrated experience leading competitive sourcing initiatives, including RFx development, supplier evaluation, commercial analysis, and supplier selection.
• Proven ability to negotiate supplier agreements and manage contract lifecycles to achieve favorable business outcomes.
• Strong understanding of category management, strategic sourcing, and supplier relationship management principles.
• Experience analyzing spend data and identifying opportunities for cost optimization, risk mitigation, and value creation.
• Proven ability to build relationships and influence stakeholders across multiple business units.
• Experience within industrial, manufacturing, MRO, maintenance, or operational procurement environments is considered an asset.
• Professional designation such as SCMP, CPSM, or progress toward completion is considered an asset.

Founded in 1882, J.D. Irving, Limited (JDI) operates in Eastern Canada (New-Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, Québec, Ontario, Newfoundland and Labrador), as well as in USA. We are a team of 20,000 dedicated employees. At J.D. Irving, Limited, you are part of a dynamic team of professionals who lead with integrity and are passionate about delivering results. With a culture that nurtures talent and creates an inclusive workplace, you can grow your career across our various operating divisions.

We are committed to creating accessible environments for our colleagues, candidates, and customers. Requests for accommodation due to a disability (which may be visible or invisible, temporary, or permanent) can be made at any stage of application and employment. We encourage candidates to make their accommodation needs known so that we can provide equitable opportunities.

Worried you do not meet all the requirements? Studies have shown that many applicants apply only to job opportunities when they feel they meet 100% of the criteria. We promote an inclusive environment where everyone is appreciated, recognized, and empowered to contribute fully. If you are interested in this position but are worried you did not meet all the requirements, we would encourage you to still apply.

Our recruitment advisors and hiring teams will utilize human screening combined with AI technology to help identify the skills and qualities that matter most to our business, while safeguarding your privacy and using AI responsibly.

We appreciate your interest in our company however only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.

About The Team

Irving Business Services is a vital support function within J.D. Irving, Limited, delivering expertise in essential areas such as Finance, Human Resources, Supply Chain, Health and Safety, Communications, and Legal.

By managing resources, delivering fast and flexible outcomes, and fostering innovation, Irving Business Services plays a critical role in driving operational success and supporting the company’s long-term strategic goals. With a focus on collaboration and continuous improvement, Irving Business Services offers exciting opportunities for growth and development within a leading organization.